Ratings: Gokulam Kerala handed reality check in Maziya S&RC defeat

All four teams are now tied on three points each in Group D of AFC Cup 2022.

High-flying Gokulam Kerala was dominated and outplayed by Maziya FC in the AFC Cup 2022 group match. The scoreline of 1-0 does not reflect the real story of the match. Maziya FC would have scored five-six goals on any other day considering the plenty of great chances they had.

This match was a reality check for the club from Kerala after the victory against ATK Mohun Bagan. The team needs to keep themselves grounded now and focus on remaining matches. Here are the ratings for Gokulam Kerala players for the match.

Rakshit Dagar (GK) - 7.5

The custodian pulled out five saves in the game to keep his defensively undisciplined side in the hunt till the final whistle. Rakshit was good with his reflexes and could have done nothing more to save the only goal.

Abdul Hakku - 7

The right-back made two crucial defensive blocks in the game and completed seven recoveries in the game. Hakku made a tackle and a clearance as well.

Alex Saji - 6

Probably not a night to look back at for the left-back of Gokulam Kerala FC. Alex was completely dominated by Maziya S&RC wingers and did not look comfortable on the ball. He made two clearances and one recovery. He also made four interceptions in the match. 

Aminou Bouba - 5.5

The centre-back failed to keep the defence stable and found it difficult to cope up against Mazia forwards. Bouba made three clearances and as many interceptions.

Muhammad Uvais - 6

The defensive partner of Bouba struggled too and the pair was never seen confident in the game. Uvais failed to keep Cornelius Stewart quiet and was lucky to not concede more for his side. The defender made nine recoveries and blocked one shot.

Rishad Puthanveettil - 6.5

The hero of the last two games for Gokulam Kerala failed to deliver something scintillating in the match. Still, he was good with his passing and completed 27 passes and created one big chance for his team.

Sharif Mukhammad - 5.5

Sharif looked clueless whenever he had the ball in attacking third. He failed to create any chance or play any penetrating pass to his attackers. He struggled to make a mark defensively as well.

Emil Benny - 6

The Gokulam Kerala FC midfielder had two brilliant chances to feed Majcen within a span of five minutes in the first half. He struggled to create for his forwards and hence did not deliver an impactful performance.

Thahir Zaman - 6

Tahir Zaman was not getting the ball much on his feet and he had to drop deep. Consequently, he had most of the touches in his own half before being substituted at half an hour mark.

Jourdaine Fletcher - 6

The Jamaican forward barely entered the attacking zones and was mostly missing. He failed to exploit the left flank and was playing safe. He attempted just one cross in the match.

Luka Majcen - 7

The invincible striker of Gokulam Kerala FC was the only active man in attack. He had one shot on target and also fed a beautiful ball from the penalty box. Majcen did not get many crosses and balls upfront and it restricted him to show his attacking prowess.

Substitutes

Viruthiyil Santhosh - 6

Santosh replaced Tahir Zaman at half an hour mark and he was constantly trying to put pressure on Maziya’s defence. He played eight successful passes in the opposition half.

Jithin MS - 6

Jithin replaced Benny at half time. He failed to do something appreciable for his side, at least statistically.

Zodingliana Ralte - 5.5

Ralte was constantly looking for help against the pressing of Maziya players. He was eventually replaced with 15 minutes remaining.

Sourav - 6

Sourav replaced Ralte in the final minutes of the game but failed to make any remarkable contribution in the match.

Beneston Barretto - N/A

Barretto came in for the last minutes of injury time.